Pullman's descriptions bring the print of the book to real life. Without ever boring you, he lets you feel Chris's emotions, and Jenny's, and their feelings about their pasts and each other. It's a tragedy book with plentiful references to child abuse, sex and troubled families, which means I wouldn't give it to a ten-year-old who adored HIS DARK MATERIALS, but read it yourself and give it to him in a few years' time, and he'll love it for what it is: a compelling modern masterpiece.


Yup. Philip Pullman just doesn't disappoint . . .   February 1, 1999
 8 out of 12 found this review helpful

I discovered this book after reading the Golden Compass and its companion. I loved it. It's so sad at the end, though! I was furious with the way it ended but not furious at the book, if you know what I mean. I'm once again impressed at how Philip Pullman can change his style, tone, and genre without sacrificing any of his delicious writing skill. Everything is so believable when he tells it. I didn't put all five stars mostly because it just wasn't my favorite book, but it was well written in all aspects. The only part I didn't understand was the last page, about Jenny's father. I've read it over and over again, and I can't tell if it's sarcasm or not. Enlighten me, someone. My last words? Read this book. It's good.